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The 8 best things to do in Bergen

Snug between mountains and fjords, a meandering tour along Bergen's cobblestone streets will guide you through its seafaring heritage. The bustling city offers foodies, art lovers, and music aficionados plenty of venues to soak up the local scene.

Bryggen

The wooden buildings on Bergen's iconic wharf are reflections of its history in the Hanseatic League. St. Mary's Church is Bryggen's tallest and oldest structure, dating to 1180.

Bryggens Museum

Built over Bryggen's first settlement, the main exhibition will take you back to Bergen's medieval past, and you'll see artifacts exactly where archaeologists found them.

Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene

The museum provides wonderful insight into daily life of German merchants living and working here during the Hanseatic era. The Schøtstuene are the former assembly halls in winter.

Bergenhus

It's one of Norway's best-preserved fortresses. The oldest structure on site, Håkon's Hall, dates to 1250, and was a royal residence during the Middle Ages.

Den Nationale Scene

Constructed in 1909 in traditional Art Nouveau style, Norway's oldest theater is a celebrated venue for classical and contemporary performances throughout the year.

Troldhaugen

This villa belonged to composer Edvard Grieg, whose Steinway piano still stands in the sitting room. He used to lock himself in the red hut down from the house in order to work.

Fløyen

Take the cable car to the top of this famous mountain and enjoy a bird's eye view 1049 feet above the city. Time it right for sunset and watch the urban lights flicker on.

Hardangerfjord

This renowned fjord boasts not only spectacular scenery of waterfalls, glaciers, and soaring mountains, but also activities, such as hiking and kayaking, for the adventurer in you.

Planning Your Bergen Visit

How many days to spend in Bergen?

You could spend three days exploring Bergen's attractions, tacking on another full day for a trip to the Hardangerfjord.

Getting around

You won't need a car to go sightseeing in Bergen. It's small, compact center makes it easy and fun to get around on foot. There are two daily departures on the Hardangerfjord Express to the town of Rosendal, and, of course, there's the option of taking a cruise through the fjord, which usually includes transportation by bus to the town of Norheimsund.

Where to stay in Bergen

Bergen is a small city and geographically compact. Whether you stay in the very heart of it or just beyond it, you'll still be able to reach the main attractions.

Good to know

Language

Norwegian

Currency

Norwegian Krone (kr)

Time Zone

UTC (+01:00)

Country Code

+47

Best time to visit

May is the best time to visit the city. The temperature is mild, while rainfall is low, and the city has so many events on offer. The summer months are also quite enjoyable, though.

Cities in Norway

Other Sightseeing Options in Bergen

What people are saying about Bergen

Well worth the money taking this tour - as soon as you arrive in town!

Tommy our Bergen guide was delightful! He emailed beforehand to ask what we wanted to do on our 2 hour tour; he also rang on the day to check we’d arrived safely & would we prefer to start a little earlier which suited us well. He offered the use of his car but we went everywhere on foot - good choice as most places are within walking distance (we stayed at Scandic Ørnen = convenient & good). He gave us a little history of Norway, the city, places of interest; a most enjoyable & useful overview, prior to spending 2 further days exploring. He suggested places to eat & also pointed out best coffee house in town (DLK) & certainly best bakery for a sandwich stop! Day 2 was wet (it’s wettest city in Europe apparently) but enjoyed the day & planned a full following-day when weather was sunny. Be sure to take (1)Funicular (2)3-hour boat trip up the fjord (3)bus to cable car up to Ulriken mountain (4) ask at Clarion Collections reception for elevator pass to view city from their turret tower!

Easy to download tour and map - no guide required.

I was pleased I bought this tour as my arrival into Bergen was delayed. I had already downloaded it and had a good rest before embarking on the tour otherwise I would have missed out. Its easy to navigate and the information has just the right amount of quirkiness to make it enjoyable. Would buy more destination next time I have a quick business trip.

Great tour, Guide went out of her way to accommodate my interests

Sabela was an amazing guide. She went out of her way to accommodate my interests into the tour. She was friendly and calming when a flight delay delayed the start time of my tour. I could not have been made to feel more welcome in Bergen and she set the tone for a wonderful and relaxing few days. I can't recommend Sabela highly enough!

Excellent way to start holiday in Bergen

Just the 2 of us on this tour. Our guide Tommy took us to places we would have had difficulty getting to on our own - Greig's home & Stave Church which were the highlights of the tour and walking through the snow on our first day in Bergen. Tommy gave information on life in Norway and showed us around the arty streets of Bergen.

A perfect way to be introduced to Bergen!

Tommy was both knowledgeable guide and good company. I had contacted him a few days in advance and he tailored the tour to my interests. Some places I hoped to visit were closed, and he effortlessly rearranged the itinerary as needed. As I watched large groups getting on and off busses I was grateful to have a personal guide.